• 02
  • January
    2012

A man pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving managed to "wriggle free" from an investigating officer's grasp and drive off, reports the News Times. The man was recaptured shortly after his attempt to flee and faced a wide range of charges as a result.

A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is typically associated with a fine, potential prison time and six month license revocation. It can also result in mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device and screening for drug and alcohol use.

These charges also increase if a child is in the vehicle. New York recently adopted Leandra's Law, which increases a first-time drunken driving offense from a misdemeanor to a felony if a child under 16 is in the vehicle.

What Not to Do

If you are pulled over for a drunken driving offense, do not attempt to flee. It will only result in escalated charges and potential harm to you and others. When someone suspected of drunken driving attempts to flee, the charges escalate. They can expand to include many additional charges, such as:

  • Resisting arrest
  • Fleeing a police officer in a car
  • Reckless driving

If pulled over and questioned, do not divulge excessive information to the investigating officer. Answer the questions asked and cooperate, but do not provide additional - potentially incriminating - details.

How to Avoid a DWI

The first step is obvious: do not drink and drive. Contrary to popular belief, consuming coffee, taking a shower or walking around the block will not lessen the effects of alcohol. The only thing that will is time. The amount of time it takes for alcohol to work through your system varies based on many factors, including your sex, body build and metabolism.

If you are attending a party and may consume alcohol, make arrangements for a designated driver or cab service to pick you up. If this is not an option, eating while consuming a small amount of alcohol will help avoid inebriation.

If you are charged with a drunken driving offense, it is important to discuss your options with a knowledgeable driving while intoxicated attorney.